Following each game CougarsDen.com will recognize the standout performers by handing out our game balls. Here are the game balls from Houston's 45-35 win over UTEP on Saturday.

Charles Sims: The junior running back earns yet another game ball with another outstanding performance. Sims led the charge on offense for the Cougars gaining 119 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 12 carries earning himself CougarsDen's MVP of the game.

D.J. Hayden: The standout senior cornerback had another outstanding game. Hayden finished his day with four tackles, but had two key interceptions one of which he returned 97 yards for a touchdown, his second pick-six in his last two games. Hayden also recovered an onside kick when UTEP was attempting a late rally.

Rowdy Harper: The big left tackle played a key role in the offensive line's dominant performance today. He was matched up against UTEP's best defensive lineman for the majority of the afternoon and held his own, not allowing so much as even a tackle-for-loss.

Trevon Stewart: The standout true freshman continues his stellar play and was all over the field for the defense with a team leading 15 tackles with one sack. He also had a key play when he batted down a pass on third-and-eight, which would eventually lead to a turnover on downs with UTEP trying to rally down ten.

Derrick Mathews: The true sophomore put a hurt on opposing players all afternoon. He finished the day with 13 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble which forced the Miners to a third-and-18 which would ultimately lead to a punt.

Phillip Steward: The senior linebacker may have not led the team in tackles this week, but was a menace to UTEP creating pressure and putting a beating on the opposing quarterback. Steward finished with 8 tackles, two tackles-for-loss which included one-and-a-half sacks and a forced fumble.

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